Boise State landed its fifth verbal commitment for the class of 2008 earlier this week. For details on Oregon offensive lineman Bronson Durrant, click here.

It’s becoming increasingly common for schools around the country to get commitments during the summer and early fall. Virginia, a few years ago, had nearly a full class committed before fall practice started.

But with the early verbal commitment comes the chance of a decommitment as other schools continue to recruit the player.

Boise State coach Chris Petersen is well aware of those challenges. In the past, the Broncos have lost several verbal commitments when they got offers at other schools. That’s why Petersen is taking a strong stance on verbal commitments — which are non-binding until players sign a letter-of-intent in February.

“If he’s committed to us, he’s telling the guys that I’m going to Boise State, I’m not taking phone calls and I’m certainly done with my visits,” Petersen said.

And if the recruit took a visit to another school?

“That would mean he’s not committed to us and we’d probably move on,” Petersen said.

As for the 2008 class, Petersen estimated the Broncos would have about 15 scholarships available. Boise State has 19 seniors listed on its roster in this year’s media guide and is also planning on several grayshirts joining the program in January.

E-mail sports columnist Brian Murphy.